A Tokyo court has ordered North Korea to compensate four individuals who were misled into relocating to the country under a deceptive propaganda campaign, awarding them 88 million Japanese yen (approximately $570,000 or £416,000). This landmark ruling acknowledges the plight of those who were promised a utopian existence but instead encountered severe hardships, including forced labour, under the North Korean regime.
A Journey from Paradise to Peril
The plaintiffs, who were part of a larger group of over 90,000 Zainichi Koreans—ethnic Koreans living in Japan—relocated to North Korea between 1959 and 1984 as part of a resettlement initiative. They were enticed by promises of free healthcare, education, and employment, branded as a “paradise on Earth.” However, many experienced the grim reality of their new lives, which included forced labour in farms and factories, along with restrictions on their freedom of movement.
Eiko Kawasaki, one of the four plaintiffs, moved to North Korea at just 17 years old in 1960. After enduring decades of hardship, she managed to escape in 2003 and is now 83. Alongside her, a group of five individuals initiated legal proceedings in 2018, seeking reparations for their suffering. Although two of the original plaintiffs have since passed away, their families continue to pursue the case in their stead.
Legal Proceedings and Symbolic Victory
The recent ruling, while primarily symbolic, marks a significant development in a prolonged legal battle that has captivated attention both in Japan and abroad. The Tokyo District Court’s decision comes after years of North Korea’s indifference towards the lawsuit, with its leader Kim Jong Un consistently dismissing Japanese court summons.
Notably, in 2022, a Tokyo district court initially rejected the compensation claims, citing jurisdictional limitations and the expiration of the statute of limitations. However, a subsequent ruling from the Tokyo High Court in 2023 reversed this decision, affirming that the case fell within Japanese jurisdiction and recognising the violation of the plaintiffs’ rights. Judge Taiichi Kamino, delivering the court’s decision, remarked that “it’s not an overstatement to say most of their lives were ruined by North Korea.”
Challenges Ahead for Claimants
Despite the court’s ruling being hailed as “historic” by Atsushi Shiraki, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, realising the compensation remains a daunting task. Kenji Fukuda, another attorney involved in the case, acknowledged the significance of the court’s decision but expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of securing any financial restitution from North Korea, given its long-standing policy of non-compliance with external legal rulings.
The case underscores the complexities of international law, particularly when it involves a nation like North Korea that has a reputation for disregarding foreign judicial processes.
Why it Matters
This ruling not only highlights the enduring impact of North Korea’s deceptive practices but also serves as a reminder of the broader human rights violations that continue to occur within its borders. It brings to the forefront the struggles faced by the Zainichi Korean community and raises critical questions about accountability and justice on a global scale. As the international community grapples with the implications of this ruling, it is evident that the plight of these migrants calls for renewed attention and action towards addressing historical injustices.
